There’s an old hymn that tells a story, all wrapped up in three little words.
I’ve sung lines and hummed the tune more times than I could even tell, but the beauty in it all is that this song, these words, carry meaning through the long, tearful nights and the rough waves and on the sunshine days, too.
In every season, it is well.
But sometimes, honestly? Those three little words are awfully hard to say.
When you get the diagnosis. When the phone rings in the middle of the night. When you have to say goodbye. When you can’t sleep from night terrors and the days don’t hold enough hours. When someone doesn’t call back. When they do call back. When there are more days left at the end of the month than money in the bank. When everyone seems to need you but you’re all spent, dried up and empty. When you can’t see the light. When you’ve prayed for years and nothing has changed.
Even then?
Even in all those spaces and places that are used up and broken down? Even then, even there.
It is well.
The story behind this hymn has forever shaped how I see these words and sing along, no matter my circumstances. Whether you’ve read or heard it before, I encourage you to slowly read these words, count the gifts around you, and say a very simple thank you to the Giver of gifts we love and gifts we don’t see as gifts just yet.
It is well.
“It Is Well With My Soul” was written by hymnist Horatio Spafford, a successful lawyer. After traumatic events in his life, including the death of his son and the 1871 Great Chicago Fire, which ruined him financially, he planned to travel to Europe with his family. There was a change of plans and his family went ahead of him while he was delayed. While crossing the Atlantic, the ship sank quickly after a collision with another sea vessel. All four of Spafford’s daughters died. His wife, Anna, survived and soon sent him a telegram saying, “Saved. Alone.” As Spafford traveled to meet his grieving wife, the captain of the ship told him when they were nearing the place where the ship had gone down. He then penned the words to the song we know today.
The It Is Well image is available to you as a free, 8×10 printable.
Beautiful printable. I’ve always loved that hymn. But you’re so right. Sometimes those words are almost impossible to say. The truth though is that when we place our trust in Him, it is always well. Loved learning the history behind that song too.
Thank you Tara! It’s so great having you here throughout this series.